Posted by: JTW (jtwelborn@triad.rr.com) on Mon Nov 12 21:33:50 2007

> > > > > It is sort of ironic seeing Arizona players as an example against 'linear' hitting, as coach Candrea uses the words "negative" and "positive" quite often when describing swing mechanics. Those words seem to be taboo on this site. I don't think any coach really tries to train athletes to move their hands in a straight line. It is elliptical if anything, neither pure linear nor pure circular.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Coach Jeb,
> > > >
> > > > Regardless of what some contributors to this forum believe, Candrea does not teach linear swing mechanics. His emphasis on negative/positive movement applies to the preparation phase of the swing which takes place prior to the onset of rotation. N/P movement aids in balance, timing, loading, and weight transfer; all of which facilitate rotational hitting.
> > > >
> > > > In our high school fastpitch program, we use Right View Pro analysis and many of Candrea’s techniques, terms and drills. We also use the very good information available on this site to understand more of the technical side of what happens in the swing. Both sources are useful and compatible. We have had way too much success hitting some of the best pitchers our state has to offer and winning championships to think otherwise.
> > > >
> > > > Concerning hand path, you are correct. Hand path is elliptical unless absolutely no forearm extension occurs as the bat contacts the ball. A properly hit inside strike will involve little forearm extension causing hand path to be more circular and transfer more energy. A properly hit outside strike will involve more forearm extension with the hand path being a little less circular (but never linear), transferring a little less energy.
> > > >
> > > > A linear hand path is reserved for the slapper, something totally alien to many of our baseball friends.
> > > >
> > > > JTW
> > >
> > > JTW,
> > >
> > > You state: "Hand path is elliptical unless absolutely no forearm extension occurs as the bat contacts the ball." and "A properly hit outside strike will involve more forearm extension with the hand path being a little less circular (but never linear)".
> > >
> > > If the hand path is as you describe elliptical (which I agree), how is it fair to say it is never linear but it is however circular.
> > >
> > > Stating the hand path is less circular for certain elliptical swings is just like stating the hand path is less linear for certain elliptical swings.
> > >
> > > I think that the two terms circular and linear can be misleading to many of the hitters that try to apply them to their swings.
> > >
> > > Jimmy
> >
> >
> > Hi Jimmy,
> >
> > You are correct. Perhaps I should have more carefully said “purely linear” meaning perfectly straight, and “purely circular” meaning an arc with a constant radius.
> >
> > A swing with no forearm extension creates a curved hand path with no changing radius, i.e. purely circular. As forearm extension is introduced the radius changes, resulting in an elliptical hand path that is controlled by the amount of and timing of the extension. To create a purely linear hand path one must create excessive extension and drift forward or lunge during core rotation.
> >
> > JTW
>
> JTW,
>
> Well said, but I think I want to focus more on the path of the sweet spot, not the path of the hands.
>
> In either case I think we agree that the path of the barrel becomes more linear and less circular for a portion of the swing due to as you stated: "more forearm extension with the hand path being a little less circular".
>
> Is there a combination of the two principles (rotational/linear) in a quality swing?
>
> I feel strongly that there is.
>
> Thanks for the discussion.
>
> Jimmy


Jimmy,

To me, “linear” means “in a straight line”. Unless you are executing the fastpitch slap, nothing “linear” can occur during rotation if it’s done correctly, as the best hitters do. “Linear” is not a term that should be used to describe anything that's supposed to be taking place during the rotation phase.

JTW